Efficacy of Ethanolic Extract of Artemisia Herba-alba against Rhipicephalus annulatus Ticks

This research aimed to evaluate the effects of different ethanolic extract concentrations made from Artemisia herba-alba’s aerial parts on adult Rhipicephalus annulatus in vitro and in vivo compared to Phoxim 50% (positive control). The in vitro effectiveness was tested using the adult immersion test (AIT) and Oviposition inhibition (IO), along with the determination of LC50 and LC95 values of Artemisia. Three concentrations of Artemisia extract (5%, 10%, and 20%), Phoxim 50% (PC), and a negative group, In AIT, mortality rates at 5% and 10% showed significant differences (p ≤ 0.001) from the control group (PC); however, 20% yielded results similar to the positive control. Adjusted mortality was 23.5%, 44.2%, 76.8%, and 100%; oviposition dropped markedly by 7.23%, 18.10%, 47.00%, and 100% at 5%, 10%, 20%, and 50%, respectively. The LC50 and LC95 values were computed as 12.5% and 26%, respectively. In the vivo test, mean tick load reduction reached 24.4%, 37.8%, 48.6%, and 97.9% (21 days) for the respective concentrations of A. herba-alba and Phoxim 50%. Tick malformations after treatment with 20% Artemisia and 50% Phoxim, in contrast to the untreated control (water), were identified by scanning electron microscope. These results show that A. herba-alba has acaricidal capability and could be a useful treatment for Rhipicephalus annulatus. Abnormalities were noted under SEM in adult ticks, including deformities in mouthparts, fissures in the genital and anal apertures, swelling of body surfaces and sensilla bases, and cracking of the cuticle at 20% Artemisia concentration and Phoxim 50%, while the control group displayed no such changes.